Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Monica attended an annual fashion show this weekend and wore Vogue 8193. Here are her thoughts on the pattern and the fabric.

I used Vogue Pattern 8193 with the ivory silk shantung (Early Spring 2007 mailer). The fabric was beautiful and elegant so I just wanted a simple pattern to show it off. I followed the instructions to the letter except I hemmed the blouse by hand instead of top stitching to give it a dressier look.

I had to alter the bust, shoulder and hip on the pattern. I used a combination of articles from Threads and Sandra Betzina's Fast Fit: Easy Pattern Alterations for Every Figure. The pattern was simple and easy to follow and the fabric was very easy to sew. Even though Vogue lists the pattern as sportswear I think that the sleeves make the blouse elegant enough to use for dressy or formal attire. I love the finished product. I prefer the 3/4 length sleeves to the long sleeves.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

I'm sure we all agree the samples on this pattern are horrid! If you don't look at the line drawings for this pattern you would surely pass this one by. But this pattern has great bones. First, there are 3 front pattern pieces-one for B, C, or D cup. Yes!! No full bust alterations. Second, it's an A-line style that's very flattering on most figures. Third, it has the current trend the puff sleeve.

I made view D and used a cotton suiting (see 1/03/07 entry). The fabric was too heavy for an A-line so I changed it to a straight style by eliminating 10 inches at the hem.I used rayon hem tape in fuchsia to finish the seams.

This pattern is a great basic shirt dress. It's well drafted and goes together quickly. I will make this again in the A-line style using a softer fabric.